best yachting wet weather gear

Better Sailing

Best Foul Weather Gear

Whether you call them slickers, foul weather gear, or foulies, the idea is the same. You want to be protected by foul weather. These conditions include wind and spray and rain when you are on the water and possibly from inclement weather when you are on the land. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best foul weather gear for each piece of clothing you will need when you go out sailing. Of course, each person has unique needs depending on what they use the equipment for and their activities on the water.

>>Also Read: What To Wear When Sailing

These Are The Main Types Of Foul Weather Gear

Lightweight boating or sailing.

If you are boating or sailing in light weather conditions, you will only need to be protected by medium winds, some spray, and the occasional rain. That is where lightweight inshore foul weather gear ideal. It is flexible and really comfortable, and it still protects you from these light conditions. It also makes for a good windproof jacket when you are onshore.

Dinghy Sailing

If you are dinghy sailing, you need 100% waterproof foul weather gear, but you do not actually need hoods and pockets. The gear has to be waterproof, breathable and reinforced in the corners, so they do not burn through the knees.

Coastal Cruising or Racing

For coastal cruising or racing, you need gear that you can live in for days at a time. That requires a high collar, a nice hood with good protection, good closures around the wrists, and reinforcements that make sure you are comfortable for days.

Passage Makers and Offshore Sailing

For passage makers and ocean racers that go long distances offshore, you need ocean and offshore sailing gear. This gear is designed to be lived in for weeks at a time. It has the ultimate protection with tall collars, complete hood, lots of pockets, durable fabric, reflectors, and reinforcements all over. Ocean or offshore gear is your best bet for extended ocean passages.

People who use their foul weather gear for fishing need easy to clean fouiles made from PVC coated fabric to clean because of all the scales, blood, and slime that comes with fishing.

Let’s Take a Look At The Best Foul Weather Gear For each Category

While there is a lot of foul weather gear to choose from, you can find the right best ones for you, depending on the type of use you want to get out of your equipment. You will find an excellent online at amazon or your local marina shop. However, I can guarantee that the prices at your local marina will be much higher.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Clothing Brands

Best Offshore Foul Weather Sailing Jacket – Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Coat Jacket

There aren’t many sailors who need the durability and protection offered by offshore and ocean foul weather gear – but if you’re going to be sailing on the open ocean, you shouldn’t leave the dock without it. Ideal for extended offshore and ocean use over consecutive days and weeks in the harshest conditions.

You simply can’t go wrong with the Gill Offshore Sailing Jacket (link to Amazon). It comes in many colors, but you should go with orange or red if you are sailing in rough weather conditions. Remember, the goal is to be seen, not to look stylish. You can also get comparable quality from Helly-Hansen’s Salt Flag Jacket or Navis Marine Offshore Sailing Jacket . It all comes down to preference and budget; however, the Gill option provides better quality, but that comes at a cost.

Best Coastal Sailing Foul Weather Jacket – Helly-Hansen Waterproof Salt Light

For the “not quite offshore” crowd, where turning back is definitely not an option, and the weather might take some nasty turns for a few days, this is the foul weather gear for you. Made to be worn for days on end, this foul weather gear is lightweight but rugged enough for light offshore use. The gear in this category features full-height collars, three-layer waterproof and breathable fabrics, double cuffs, reflective details, high-contrast hoods, and reinforced high-wear areas.

Personally, I think that the Helly-Hansen Waterproof Salt Light Sailing Jacket is the best one under this category.

Best Inshore Sailing Foul Weather Jacket – Helly Hansen Men’s Salt Power Jacket

For this type of sailing, you need flexible, multi-role foul weather gear with features including athletic cuts, highly breathable waterproof fabrics, and taller collars borrowed from buoy racing partnered with the reflective details and highly durable fabrics of the coastal foul weather range. Designed for sailors who do a bit of racing and occasionally venture beyond the seawall to more open waters. This foul weather gear is also excellent for on shore wear while working on the boat or walking around town.

This category is also won by Helly Hansen and their Salt Power Jacket line. It comes with many color options, and it also looks great when worn in your daily life off the boat.

Best Dinghy Sailing Foul Weather Gear – O’Neill Full Wetsuit

Drysuits, wet suits, and wetwear represent the culmination of technology and experience in protecting yourself against the elements. When dinghy sailing in cooler weather, you’ll be grateful for having this piece of gear. These weather and water-resistant garments give sailors a physically protective boundary like a second skin that can make all the difference between an epic sea voyage and a personal maritime tragedy.

This O’Neill Men’s Epic wet suit is the best in this category. Depending on the level of foul weather you will be sailing under, you might need to include this Neo Sport Multi-Density Wetsuit Hood and Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots in your gear.

Best Foul Weather Sailing Boots – Grundéns Deck-Boss Fishing Boots

Offshore boots are intended to keep feet dry while maintaining footing in an extremely wet environment. They come high on the calf and optimize warmth. Offshore sea boots are intended to keep the sailor in place despite undesirable conditions, with waterproof liners fitting snugly around the calf area.

The Grundéns Deck-Boss Boots are the best. They come with a rubber strap on the side that you can put on top of your sailing pants and prevent water from coming into the boot.

>>Also Read: Best Fishing Boots For Boats

Best Foul Weather Sailing Gloves – Gill Championship Long Finger Gloves

These gloves utilize cutting-edge Dura-Grip fabric on the palm, which is said to provide grip without any compromise in flexibility and durability. The pre-shaped construction fits your natural hand shape, and stretch fabric is used on the backs for comfort. Seamless wraparound Dura-Grip reinforcement on the fingers provides improved abrasion resistance and grip. There is an inside facing wrist closure to prevent the accidental starting of a watch. Get yours from Amazon here .

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Gloves

Best Neck Gaiter – Lupa Micro Fleece Gaiter

This Lupa microfleece gaiter is constructed from soft, quick-drying fleece that works to warm your neck and face in the cold winter months. This quick-drying gaiter easily converts from full face to neck protection.

Key Features:

Quick-drying
Offers full face and neck protection
Soft fleece fabric
Moisture-wicking

The LUPA Handmade Double-Layer Micro Fleece is one of the best pieces of gear you can buy on Amazon that checks all the boxes.

Best Foul Weather Sailing Pants – Navis Marine Offshore Sailing Jacket Bib Pants

A sailor’s apparel is necessary for comfort on the water. Foul weather sailing pants are designed to withstand varying degrees of weather and wear. Whether you’re sailing for recreation or professionally, shorts pants designed for the sport are key. A good foul weather pair of pants should come with padding, water-resistance, and quick-drying fabrics. For all-day comfort, technical pants are a necessary part of your apparel.

Check out this Navis Marine Offshore Sailing Jacket Bib Pants set on Amazon.

Best Socks For Foul Weather Sailing – Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee Length Sock

Protecting your feet is a top priority in boating. You can have great shoes or boots, but none of that matters if you don’t have the proper socks on when sailing. Whether it’s winter or summer, the right socks can make or break your comfort on the boat.

These Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee Length Socks provide the best comfort and waterproofness that you will need when sailing.

>>Also Read: Must-Have Boat Safety Equipment For Sailing

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

Buyer's Guide
Destinations
Maintenance
Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: 92916deb-61c0-11ef-851b-767e921576e4

Sail Nelson

The natural choice.

Gear Review – Foul Weather Gear

REBLOG from Summer 2018:

As I prep for my upcoming trip this summer, I am realizing that my old foul weather gear is just not up to the challenge. I donated my Offshore Mustang Survival suit many years ago as it had become stiff and was never really made for the female physique (it was from the early 90s).

As I research new foul weather gear, there have been some major advancements. Not only in functionality, but the materials themselves have improved tremendously. The first thing that I need to look at is what am I expecting of my gear? So, here’s my wish list:

pockets/storage
hood/rain cover
visibility – colour, reflectors, etc.
compatibility with my PFDs, safety harness , MOB light, etc.
ease of movement
overall comfort & fit (thinking of bathroom breaks and long hours spent sitting or standing staring at the compass and radar… glamorous. I know. Shhh don’t tell the rest of the crew. They think we’ll be sipping Mi Tais and playing with dolphins the whole time!)

Notice anything important that is missing? Warmth. Yup. No mention of that. That is because my base layers will be responsible for that. Check out my Base Layer Gear Review for more info…

I wrote this post from a women’s perspective as we have a slightly longer wish-list for our foul weather gear (in my opinion) than men, but my reviews and comments are also valid for any men looking for new gear. You just have a few more choices 😉

Check out more gear reviews, tips and tricks on my podcast: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor

Standing Rigging Checks! – Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast

Standing Rigging Checks! 28:15
#72 Spring!! Maintenance & Shake Down Sail… 28:09
#71 How to build experience between courses! 31:02
#70 Tender 2.0 24:52
#69 New Tender Time! 18:31

The main players

From my research so far, there are only a few players in the field of sailing foul weather gear. The main ones are Mustang , Gill , Musto and Helly Hansen .

To start off, there are no female specific offshore suits that I can find. So that’s a big negative for me.

The other glaring issue for me, is that all of their gear is black! Yes that looks very sexy, but I’m more concerned with being seen and making it home to my family if I fall off the boat, than looking “hot” in all black.

Finally, I have leveraged my sailing community for input on Mustang foul weather gear and it was not overly favourable. It seems that Mustang is moving to capture the commercial market and not overly interested in all purpose sailors. Mustang is, however, still a leader in the Canadian market for life jackets and PFDs – yet again another post to follow .

Alright, so Gill has two female jackets to offer: OS1 Womens Jacket (Offshore) and OS2 Womens Jacket (Coastal). They are bright red, have reflectors, lots of pockets, good hoods, waterproof, hand-warmer pockets (bonus!), among a few other perks. So far so good.

That’s about where it ends. There are no female specific pants for offshore cruising so no drop seat for my head time, which is a negative. The less time you spend below fighting with your gear the better. Trust me.

The lack of selection is also a bit concerning as the price of foul weather gear is very high so you have to make sure that what works for you will work for the life of your investment. That being said, it is important to try many options before you buy. You may end up with a Gill Jacket and Mustang pants. Who knows. If it works for you, get it.

Overall I don’t think Gill is my best foul weather gear option, but it’s not out of the running yet.

Download my FREE Foul Weather Gear Checklist to make sure you get the right gear for you!

This particular brand was recently brought to my attention as I’m not overly familiar with Musto, but I do know a few people who use their gear. They have a great women’s offshore set – the MPX GORE-TEX® Offshore Jacket and MPX GORE-TEX® Offshore Trousers.

The jacket boasts a lot of great features including: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro laminate for high performance breathability, waterproof and windproof protection, articulated elbows and underarms for freedom of movement, fleece-lined collar for comfort and warmth, fluorescent GORE-TEX® hood with peak (fully waterproof), 2 handwarmer pockets, 2 cargo pockets to store essentials, life jacket attachment points allow you to take off your jacket and life jacket together (awesome) , and photoluminescent reflectors glow in the dark to keep you visible at night, to name a few.

The ability to have your life jacket attached to the jacket is a great feature as this enables you to set your life jacket straps and then leave them as is when you take off your jacket. This decreases the chance of having your life jacket straps too tight or too lose and decreases the number of adjustments you need to make every time you take your jacket on and off.

The pants are made for prolonged offshore sailing. These trousers have adjustable straps and back waist adjustment for a comfort fit. It has CORDURA® reinforcement patches on the seat, knees, back hems to prevent abrasion, and a detachable tool pouch adds storage space. The downside is that the pants do not appear to have an easy head access zipper. Boo.

Overall, the Musto women’s gear is a strong contender for me.

Helly Hansen

HH has definitely asserted itself as a leader in the world of sailing foul weather gear. Imagine my excitement when I checked off female offshore sailing gear and found 6 jacket options! Now 3 of the jackets are considered unisex, but at least they list them as options for me on their website. There are also 3 different pant options.

The Ægir series is built for professional ocean sailors and is Norse mythology for god of the “sea”. Most items in the collection come in red, white or black (red being my choice). The Ægir Ocean Jacket would be the full-on foul weather jacket to go with, but I think the extra long length would drive me a bit crazy (I don’t like long jackets around my thighs). The next logical step up from there is the Ægir Race Jacket and Ægir Race Salopette (French word for an overall type of pant).

Ægir Race Jacket

Here are some of the features of the jacket: waterproof, 4 ply fabric construction, fully seam sealed, waterproof, high collar, fleece collar, adjustable hood, double storm flap, adjustable double cuffs, adjustable waist, Solas (safety of life at sea) reflective, hand warmer pockets, chest pockets and articulated sleeves.

That’s a lot of goodies! Overall it checks all of the boxes for me, but what do the reviews have to say? Well, there is an overwhelmingly positive response for this product on the HH website and within the sailing community.

Ægir Race Salopette

Here are some of the features of the pants: waterproof, 3 ply fabric construction, fully seam sealed, waterproof, seat and knee reinforcements, breathable softshell top, two way front zip, adjustable waist, thigh cargo pockets and adjustable leg openings.

Once again, a great list of attributes, but it is this key phrase in the description that seals the deal for me: Especially developed for women’s convenience is the drop seat construction with a fully waterproof YKK® Aquaseal® zipper. Head visits made easy! Brilliant. Again, the reviews on the HH site were very positive for these pants.

Overall, choosing the right foul weather gear takes time, research and some trial and error. Try not to let the price affect your choice as this is an investment and you want to make sure you have the right gear to keep you safe and warm.

Once you get over the sticker shock, you’ll have a great time seeing what works for you!

Don’t forget your FREE Foul Weather Gear Checklist !

Is this not what I should be wearing for the trip!? 😉

Page Photo Credit : Nicole Speckmaier, Geminis Dream, VanIsle 360 International Yacht Race

How to choose sailing foul weather gear

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: November 17, 2022

Foul weather gear is designed to do one thing: keep you dry on a sailboat. Simple, right? Until you go shopping for a suit and are immediately overwhelmed by the vast number of options, technical features, and specs – not to mention the price tags!

We’ve had the opportunity to sea trial various types of foul weather gear while sailing over 13,000 miles on our 35-foot sailboat. Read on for our guide to choosing the perfect set of foulies .

Note: This post contains affiliate links

5 types of foul weather gear

Whether you’re weekend cruising in Washington or offshore racing in the Southern Ocean, foul weather gear is an important piece of kit. However, the suit you choose largely depends on the type of sailing you’re doing.

Foul weather gear generally falls into one of five classes:

Nonsailing waterproof outdoor gear

Inshore gear is great for sailing in warmer climates , where you need something to block the wind, spray, and occasional rain showers . Its construction makes it comfortable and easy to move in.

Key features:

Lightweight water-resistant or waterproof fabrics
Highly versatile and can be used for onshore activities like hiking and biking
Emphasis on comfort over more rigid/durable coastal and offshore suits

Helly-Hansen Men's Salt Inshore Jacket, 328 Cloudberry, X-Large

Coastal gear is medium weight and versatile , good for anything from multiday cruises to carrying groceries down the dock in the rain. While not as tough sounding as its offshore cousin, coastal gear provides good value and mileage . I used a coastal Henri Lloyd set on an eight-day offshore passage down the US Pacific Coast and it kept me comfortable.

Medium-weight waterproof fabrics
Reflective tape and high-vis colors
Reinforced seats, knees
Fleece lined pockets

Gill OS3 Mens Coastal Sailing & Boating Jacket - Waterproof & Stain Repellent (Graphite, XS)

3. Offshore

Offshore foul weather gear is designed to withstand serious abuse at sea . It’s the go-to option for offshore racers and cruisers, sailors planning to spend weeks at a time in their two-piece . After two years of offshore cruising, I finally invested in a Musto offshore suit and I absolutely love the functionality and extra features . It’s definitely a luxury but when you’re spending weeks of every year at sea, it’s well worth it.

Heavy-duty and high-performance fabrics
Integrated safety harness
Reflective tape and high vis colors
Tall collars

Wrist seals

4. Float suit

Float suits are made from closed-cell foam, providing flotation and insulation in the event that you fall in. They’re commonly used in commercial settings but many recreational sailors swear by them. They’re bulky and don’t breathe very well, making them a poor choice for highly active sailing (i.e. racing).

Still, you can’t beat a float suit for cold weather. I bought an older Mustang Float suit at a thrift shop and lived in the thing when we circumnavigated Vancouver Island in the fall. It’s like wearing a sleeping bag all day, which suits me just fine!

Closed-cell foam provides buoyancy and warmth
One-piece suit or jacket/pant combo
Reinforced seats and knees

MUSTANG SURVIVAL - High Visibility Flotation Jacket (Fluorescent Green-S) - USCG Approved, Flotation and hypothermia Protection, Full Length Storm Flap, Neoprene Wrist Seals

5. Nonsailing waterproof jacket

Do I really need foul weather gear? Can’t I just use my waterproof hiking jacket?

In many cases, yes. Some sailors wear waterproof jackets and pants designed for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. While you won’t get sailing-specific features like wrist seals and high collars, a waterproof hiking jacket and pants should work just fine for a low-key weekend cruise or even for longer trips in hot climates.

For example, when I cruised in Mexico for a year, I used a lightweight GORE-TEX shell and pants designed for skiing. If you’re just getting into sailing and aren’t ready to invest in foulies, use the waterproof gear you have. After all, people used to go to sea in oilskins, which were basically sail cloth painted with linseed oil and wax!

Marmot Starfire Women's Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket, Cherry Tomato, X-Small

Features to consider when shopping for foul weather gear

Foul weather gear is designed to have a roomier fit than other types of activewear and should leave you with plenty of freedom of movement and space for layers underneath.

While traffic cone orange may not be your go-to hue, avoid more neutral tones like blue, gray and black . These colors will make you tricky to spot if you fall overboard. If you really can’t bear going with a high-vis suit, choose a jacket with a high-vis hood or alternatively keep a bright yellow swim cap tucked into your life jacket.

High-tech fabrics

Foul weather suits come in various levels of waterproofness, breathability, and durability. Your choice will depend on your local climate, the type of sailing your doing, and your activity level on the boat.

Reinforced knees and seats

From wrestling down a spinnaker on an anti-skid deck to endlessly snagging your clothes on hardware, the sailing environment is brutal on clothing . Offshore and coastal foul-weather gear have reinforced high abrasion areas for extra durability.

Heavy duty, noncorroding zippers

Sailing brands almost exclusively use noncorroding zippers. If you’re thinking of buying wet weather gear from a nonsailing specific brand, look for noncorroding zippers or expect frozen zips and a rusty mess.

Coastal and offshore suits usually include bib pants. This is to avoid water rushing up your midsection . If you’re not planning on seeing green water over the deck you can find lightweight waist pant options.

Elasticated waists

Far from being about form or fashion, an elasticated waist helps prevent water from rushing up your suit.

Pockets, pockets, pockets

Foul-weather gear offers capacious pockets. Easily fit your rigging knife, phone, snacks, gloves and more.

High-vis hoods with stiff brims are great for seeing and being seen!

Wrist seals are rubber cuffs that prevent water from running up your sleeves.

Any offshore lady knows the annoyance of wrestling in and out of foul weather gear when nature calls in the middle of the night watch . Drop seats, which work much like a fly, are the solution!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to choosing foul weather gear. Questions or thoughts? Let us know in the comment field below.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Berthon Winter Collection

Latest issue

August 2024

In the August 2024 issue of Yachting World magazine: News Few finish a tempestuous Round The Island Race European rules are eased for cruising to France and Greece Olympic sailing…

Yachting World

Digital Edition

What to wear sailing: Everything you need to know

Toby Heppell
April 26, 2023

If you're wondering what to wear sailing then you've come to the right place. We've extensively tested loads of kit so we can bring you the best options

Are you are heading out on the water sailing for the first time, or perhaps you’re just curious to see what other wear when sailing, if so, look no further as I bring you my roundup of the absolute must-haves in terms of sailing clothes.

But first thing’s first, not all sailing is alike. I started out racing dinghies throughout my youth and it was not until I was in my late teens and into my 20s that I started racing, and then cruising on yachts or keelboats. The kit required for both of these sports are significantly different and, though you can sail a yacht wearing a wetsuit, it’s not going to do much to keep you warm. Similarly if you step into a dinghy wearing offshore sailing waterproofs (often called foulies) then you’ll be fine, but far from comfortable.

For the purposes of this article I’m going to kook at the clothes you will need to go yacht or keelboat sailing for a day on the water. At Yachting World we have plenty of articles on the best clothing for offshore sailing , the best wetsuits and best clothes to wear for other watersports like best kayak clothing and what to wear paddle boarding . So head over to one of those if that’s what you are after.

Sailing a dinghy on a beach holiday is a common first introduction to sailing, but for many it’s just as likely to be a day trip out on a keelboat, either hired or invited along by some friends who have already fallen in love with sailing and are hoping to pass on some of that joy.

And once you’ve caught the bug it can be hard to know where to start in terms of what clothing you need to buy and what is the most important kit to purchase first.

What to wear sailing quick links

Best Boat Shoes – Tribord sailing 500 boat shoes Best Sailing Jacket – Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket Best Sailing Trousers – Gill OS3 trousers Best Lifejacket – Spinlock Deckvest Lite Best Drybag – Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack Best Sailing gloves – Decathlon adult sailing fingerless gloves

What to wear sailing

There are several reasons I would put footwear at the top if the list of important clothing items for sailing. Firstly, a good pair of sailing shoes can often be worn ashore too, so it’s not a single-use purchase. Another good reason to buy a pair is that, although sailing on a yacht in trainers is broadly fine, some trainers will leave marks on the deck of a yacht, which can be a bit awkward if you’re leaving unsightly patches on your friend’s new boat. As such, many boat owners have a ‘boat shoes or boots only rule’ when onboard, so you would do well to pick up the best boat shoes you can early.

Decks can often be slippy and for those unused to the motion of a boat at sea, it can be hard enough to keep your footing, so buying a pair of shoes that have good grip will at least help you stay a little more secure.

Given that the main thing you will want out of a pair of boat shoes is grip, then you should focus on what the sole is like first and foremost. Personally, I always favour ‘razor cut’ soles. These tiny little zig-zag grooves – which are thin enough to look like knife cuts – help move water away from the underfoot area and keep the rubber of the sole in contact with the deck. But a word of warning with razor-cut soles, the more you wear them on hard wearing surfaces, such as concrete, the less effective they will become, so it might be worth skipping these if you’re predominantly buying boat shoes for use ashore, with the occasional sailing trip in mind.

The stereotypical boat shoe that probably springs to mind for most is a leather, moccasin style deck shoe. And worry not, these won’t mark you out as a beginner whose only experience of sailing is from the movies, these are actually the shoes that many sailors wear for days out on the water. They can also cut a dash ashore too, so they are probably the best solution for the beginner – and seasoned pro alike.

Tribord Sailing 500 boat shoes

Decathlon is a name that pops up over and again for those wanting to get into many sports. The French sports apparel giant is very hard to beat when it comes to producing decent sports kit at sensible prices.

This classic choice from Decathlon is made of flexible full-grain salt-water resistant leather, with a non-marking siped rubber sole. This sole offers a best of both worlds compromise, not being a true razor-cut, but delivering a great deal of the same grip level in a hard wearing sole for use on land.

There’s a padded leather insole and tongue, but no fabric linings that absorb foot odours.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Zhik Fuze boat shoes

If you’re not keen on the traditional deck shoe look, then Zhik’s Fuze boat shoes are designed as an out-and-out boat shoe but offer more trainer-like styling. Zhik, an Australian company, produces a great deal of sailing kit that is usually developed alongside top international racing sailors and offers great performance – though their equipment does sit at the higher end of the price bracket.

The Fuze deck shoes are very lightweight, flexible and comfortable, with excellent support. A one-way drainage system is incorporated in the sole to let water out but not in. These are my go-to boat shoe if I’m not having a casual day out and their performance in terms of grip and comfort are second to none.

Buy it now from Amazon

Sailing Jackets and trousers

Although I’ve put footwear at the very top of this list of what to wear sailing for being both relatively affordable and thus an easy first purchase for a new sailor’s kit bag, waterproofs both jacket and trousers are the key items that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable when sailing.

A simple wind and waterproof jacket will be absolutely fine if you are planning on sailing only in the summer months on a very small number of occasions. However, if you are looking to be out on the water with anything approaching regularity then you will want to invest in some proper sailing kit.

There’s no escaping the fact that for a decent set of sailing waterproof clothing, you are going to be spending a fair bit of money. But the cost of a decent sailing jacket and trousers is similar to that of any adventure sport, such as skiing of serious hiking. And these are key items to make you more comfortable and thus enable you to enjoy the experience. Assuming those who are already big-time sailors will be looking elsewhere for the best offshore sailing jackets and trousers, I’ve focussed here on inshore or coastal clothing, which is usually cheaper than true offshore kit and much less bulky.

Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket

Gill’s latest lightweight OS3 fabrics use a fundamentally more sustainable material than the long-running industry standard durable water repellant (DWR) coatings. These have been used for decades to improve waterproofing are are what makes the water bead off a new jacket.

However, DWR finishes are typically based on fluoropolymers that have toxic by-products which persist in the environment. Instead, Gill’s OS3 range uses a plant-based finish the performs the same function as the DWR coating.

The OS3 jacket is made of a two-layer fabric with a non-absorbent, quick drying lining. It has a high-visibility hood, adjustable cuffs with PU inner seals, an internal storm guard and is available in men’s and women’s fits.

Buy it now from Gael Force Marine

Gill OS3 coastal trousers

Utilising the same fabric as their jacket these trousers offer strong sustainability credentials. The trousers feature a front zip and internal gusset for wet weather protection the braces can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit while the reinforced seat and knees protect against wear and tear.

I’m not, personally a huge fan of this type of braces. They do offer plenty of adjustment, which is a plus, but they can also slip off the shoulder if you are particularly active. If I have the choice I will always pick a trouser with full shoulders for offshore use, or without shoulder straps. But that is mostly a personal preference and plenty of people still like the braces-type trouser.

Zhik INS200 Coastal Sailing Jacket

There’s a lot to be said for a choosing the best inshore jacket you can find. It will be lightweight, comfortable to wear, very easy to move around in and is likely to see a lot of use.

Zhik’s INS200 and 300 series are arguably the most carefully designed of all. Both are made of an impressive three-layer fabric with taped seams and have a sculpted fit that minimises excess material.

Zhik INS200 Coastal trouser

The matching Zhik INS200 salopettes feature adjustable elastic suspenders with a central back strap for comfort – which also helps stop them slipping off the shoulder.

There’s a waist is elasticated for a secure fit without the need for a tightening system, all seams are taped with critical junctions further reinforced. They also have a laser cut water drainage system to help keep you dry.

Lifejackets and PFDs

It’s absolutely vital that you wear a lifejacket while sailing, particularly if you are new to the sport and don’t yet have great balance onboard. Most boat owners will have rules about wearing them onboard which can vary from ‘must be worn at night and if the wind is above x’ to ‘it’s your personal choice’. But for many people they are an absolute must to wear onboard.

The only reason lifejackets are not at the very top of this list is that many boats have a number of spares for crew to use when they are onboard. But it is something you will want to buy for yourself after a time, both for safety and for your own comfort.

As we found in our best lifejacket test , cheaper models tend to be bulkier and more likely to catch on things as you make your way around the boat. They also typically offer fewer extras. They key thing you need to decide when buying a lifejacket is whether to go for a manual or automatic inflation type. Manual inflation are a lot cheaper – and do not need a new gas canister putting in once they have been inflated. But if you go overboard and are knocked unconscious you clearly wont be able to activate it.

The other point to note is that lifejackets come with different levels of floatation. Most coastal lifejackets are either 150 or 180N. The higher this number, the more buoyancy is offered. To support a 1Kg weight you need a force of 9.8 Newtons. 1 Newton is equal to 0.225lb. A 150N adult lifejacket will therefore support someone with an in water weight of 15.3Kg or 33.7lbs.

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

Spinlock is pretty universally acknowledged as one of the market leaders in lifejackets and this Deckvest Lite is a really great bit of kit. Its stylish – or as stylish as a lifejacket can be – and it fits close to he body and so is less likely to catch on things as you work on deck.

It’s the manual inflation type and comes in a variety of casing colours and is easy to repack when it has been deployed. It fits smaller adult body types well, has a very high visibility bladder and is great for everyday wear.

The over the head style donning can feel a little restrictive for some and the fit is such that it might not suit larger bodies.

Crewsaver Crewfit+ 180N pro

This is an excellent lifejacket, leading the way with coastal lifejackets that will take you offshore and into the night with its well positioned strobe light and nicely designed sprayhood.

The thoughtful design is apparent throughout, but perhaps was taken one step too far with the CO2 bottle anti-unscrew seal feature making it a poor choice for frequent flyers but an excellent choice for people who worry about their CO2 bottles coming unscrewed.

Waterproof bags

A waterproof bag is useful for sailing and other watersports too. If you’re just taking layers ashore/to the beach, a cheap dry tube style bag will be fine, albeit not overly durable or practical in use and so not the best waterproof bag option to pick. Also the typical single shoulder strap these have is not comfortable when the bag is laden.

It is arguably a better investment to choose a more robust backpack or duffel style bag with external pockets, more comfort features and better waterproofing. It should last longer, better protect your kit and be more comfortable to carry.

Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack

British brand Overboard specialises in waterproof bags and cases with an impressively extensive range and a clear, intuitive website to help you make a suitable choice.

This backpack is a well considered design for dinghy trips ashore and was thus a go-to choice for a week’s vacation, where we used it everyday.

Features I particularly grew to like are the adjustable chest straps and sternum straps which help make it feel like a comfortable hiking backpack, the front mesh for stashing a layer and the side pocket for keeping a water bottle to hand. There is also a small internal pocket for an iPad.

Yeti Panga 50lt

The Panga is among a range of Yeti kit we’ve used and abused regularly this season, all of which has come out favourably and as ‘get what you pay for’ items. Your eyes may water when you see the price, but you can be assured not a drop will find its way into this bag.

The robustness and quality of construction shines through. A laminated high density nylon is used for the bag’s construction, which is really hard wearing, but it is the near bullet-proof moulded EVA padded bottom and the size of the patented teeth on the zip which make you instantly realise this is a no-nonsense product.

There are six lashing points, and the handles at each end and buckles feel sturdy enough to haul a boat out with.

When you pull the zip fully closed it’s easy to tell the bag is hermetically sealed, as it becomes a giant cushion – and indeed can make a useful seat, even with just air inside. There are two zipped mesh pockets within.

Buy it now from Yeti

Sailing gloves

Sailing gloves are a particularly essential bit of kit for two key reasons. Firstly if you are going to spend any time on a boat then you will be handling sheets and lines. Though salty old seadogs might have well-calloused hands and thus be impervious to the rigours of rope handling. For the rest of us, protection is essential to avoid blisters!

A secondary dimension is to keep your hands warm. This is typically less important for the casual sailor as you’ll probably be out in milder weather and for shorter stretches of time, making it less likely you will get cold hands in the first place and more likely that even if you do, you will be able to warm back up again after a short time.

Unless warmth is the main goal – of you’re sailing off-season or overnight – then you’ll typically want a fingerless glove, which allows you to tie / untie knots and generally be able to use your fingers a bit more.

Decathlon adult sailing fingerless gloves

Sailing gloves can be disappointingly easy to lose, so keeping a spare pair in the bottom of your kit bag can be a good move.

This pair of fingerless gloves from Decathlon is priced such that keeping a few extras around won’t cost a fortune. And for the beginner sailor it means a pair of gloves that are functional but wont break the bank.

They have plenty of grip, offer good protection, are made of a comfortable stretch fabric and have a Velcro wrist strap.

Despite the competitive price the specification is good enough for ordinary use.

Buy it now on Decathlon

Gill Deckhand Sailing Gloves – Long Finger

The Gill Deckhand gloves have been the go-to glove of our tester – and passionate racer – Rupert Holmes for years now. For a while there was a women’s option available which was a much better fit than the unisex version. The full fingers for three fingers provide warmth, while the fingerless thumb and pointer mean you still have plenty of dexterity in the fingers.

The way the glove is tailored to the curve of the hand makes them easy to wear and easy to grip lines and other control surfaces. They do get a bit soggy to wear when wet and Rupert keeps a few pairs to be able to swap out while the others dry off. They usually him a season and need replacing but he keeps buying the same gloves because they are so comfortable to wear.

It’s worth noting that, although these gloves may only last Rupert a season, he is a serious short-handed and fully crewed racer and will put many miles in over the course of a season.

Of course these are just the basic essentials for any aspiring sailor. And there is plenty more kit you may want to pick up as you do more sailing. Sailing sunglasses are very important to protect your eyes, but any sunglasses will do initially. You may also want a hat for sailing or if you are heading out to see in the winter months you might want to pick up the best thermals that you can to keep you warm.

As you become more experienced then picking up a proper offshore sailing jacket and offshore trousers will be important and you will probably want to ditch the boat shoes in favour of a pair of sailing boots .

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

Competitions
British Yachting Awards
Southampton Boat Show
Print Subscription
Digital Subscription
Single Issues
Advertise with us

Your special offer

Subscribe to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting today!

Save 32% on the shop price when to subscribe for a year at just £39.95

Subscribe to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting!

Save 32% on the shop price when you subscribe for a year at just £39.95

The best sailing jackets, vests and trousers – and how they’re tested

A new generation of sailing jackets, trousers and other waterproof kit is claimed to be lighter and drier than ever….

This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service – at no extra cost to you.

New technology and corresponding claims about its performance in technical sailing clothes seems to emerge every couple of years. We round up some of the best sailing jackets, trousers and waterproof clothing available right now…

Aimed at the professional or extreme sailor, HPX is still the benchmark for durable waterproofs. The range has just been redesigned, with the focus on using larger panels of fabric to reduce stitching and seams, which are down by 60 per cent in the latest models – saving 4m of tape.

Cuffs and other features have been double bonded to the jacket, reducing the need for further stitching. The jacket is also 15cm longer, protecting around the seat, and the transparent panel of the hood has been made UV-proof and non-misting.

Jacket: from £550, shop now on musto.com
Trousers: from £400, shop now on musto.com

Gill completely redesigned this offshore range to make it 10 per cent lighter but 15 per cent more resistant to abrasion. The garments are made using the company’s most durable 5-Dot high performance fabric, confusingly made up of four layers.

The jacket features an exceptionally snug collar and a new hood that zips away. Other offshore features include numerous handwarmer pockets, seals at the cuff, and fluorescent detailing for 360-degree visibility. Men and women’s cut available.

Jacket: £545, shop now on amazon.co.uk
Trousers: £435, shop now on amazon.co.uk

Helly Hansen Newport

This ¾-length jacket and high-waisted trousers design is aimed at coastal cruisers. With a tall and comfortable fleece-lined collar and hand warmer pockets, double cuffs, high-vis hood and retroreflective patches, this is a well specc’d but lightweight jacket.

The trousers are articulated at the seat, with the seams offset, and have two generous cargo pockets. Both use Helly’s proprietary HellyTech membrane, optimized for highly aerobic activities.

Jacket: £300, shop now on hellyhansen.com
Trousers: £180, shop now on hellyhansen.com

Henri Lloyd Elite offshore

Henri Lloyd’s flagship wet weather gear for cruisers has had an upgrade. Elite 2.0 gear dries 30 per cent faster than the previous generation, while its yarn structure combined with DWR water repellent coating prevents water absorption by the outer layer and reduces the chilling effect that results.

Meanwhile, a new stretch pod on the back of the higher collar makes for easier and more comfortable storage of the hood. Photo luminescent patches improve safety for night sailing, and there are new handwarmer and cargo pockets.

Jacket: £750, shop now on henrilloyd.com
Trousers: £575, shop now on henrilloyd.com

Gill OS2 jacket and trousers

Gill’s bestselling second tier wet weather gear uses a two-layer laminated fabric system to keep the elements out and provide breathability.

The technology remains largely the same as in previous years – there’s a new all-plastic zipper, better cuff arrangement to accommodate those wearing gloves and prismatic reflectors.

Jacket: £250, shop now on amazon.co.uk
Trousers: £240, shop now on amazon.co.uk

Musto BR2 Offshore

Musto’s non-Gore-Tex gear has been tweaked this year to improve the fit over the shoulders and biceps, where some people had found it too baggy. Also available in a new colours, including fire orange and sulphur yellow.

Jacket: £300, shop now on musto.com
Trousers: £275, shop now on musto.com

Zhik Isotak 2 Ocean

Based on its proprietary fabric, membrane and seam tape, Zhik claims that its jacket and trousers offer much longer-lasting waterproofing and breathability than its competitors. With Cordura reinforcement, deep fleece-lined collar and a hood that can be deployed singlehanded.

Jacket: £685, shop now on zhik.com
Trousers: £529, shop now on zhik.com

Helly Hansen HP Fjord jacket

At the sporty end of the spectrum, this jacket still has HellyTech waterproofing and breathability. It is shorter cut for ease of movement, but still offers a collar and snug hood. Ideal for wearing ashore as well. The lining is printed with a jazzy design showing unique artwork from across the fjords of Norway.

RRP: £175, shop now on hellyhansen.com

2017-Henri-Lloyd-Aqua-Down-Jacket-BLACK-SOO347.700x700

Henri Lloyd Aquadown jacket/vest

Designed to cross over between boatwear and shorewear, this jacket relies on featherless insulation for warmth. Lightweight and quick-drying 600 fill insulation performs better than down when wet, and the whole is articulated for a more flattering fit. There’s a concealed thumb hole, and a hood with an elastic binding.

Vest: £90, shop now on wetsuitoutlet.co.uk
Jacket: £125, shop now on wetsuitoutlet.co.uk

How are sailing jackets tested?

The current crops of Musto MPX and Henri Lloyd Elite waterproofs are both said to be 30 per cent lighter than the previous generation, and 20 per cent more breathable – all without affecting the waterproofing of the garments.

That’s because they use the latest Pro membrane from Gore-Tex, which requires a much lighter backing layer for strength than previous iterations. It still counts over 1.4bn microscopic holes per cm 2 – 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but hundreds of times bigger than a single water molecule.

The testing that Gore carries out on a garment before it will certify the manufacturer to use its membrane is a closely guarded secret. But Musto’s head of sailing design, Shane Rhone, told ST that Gore’s ‘storm’ test used a combination of horizontal and vertical nozzles, set to a calculated position so that the drops reach maximum velocity before striking the material.

“In total, the room’s rainmaking capability is a torrential 22in/hr. It’s a tough test and the pass rate is only about 50 per cent on the first try.” Gore’s guarantee to keep the wearer dry means that any water getting through results in a fail.

“Then begins the search for the cause, so it’s back to the drawing board and re-submitting an updated version with the problem fixed.”

Apples and pears

But amid the claim and counter claim, it is very hard to compare claims on waterproofing and breathability – particularly when it comes to the durability of these qualities. There are no global standards on this – just lots of different proprietary measures for both. For instance, a common method of testing the waterproofness of a fabric is to simulate a column of water applied to a small patch, and see what height the column reaches before water goes through.

A figure up to around 5,000mm is considered to be lightly water resistant; up to about 10,000mm is rainproof; and 20,000mm-plus is the current standard for really heavy-duty waterproofing.

For breathability, the usual measure is to see how many grams of water can evaporate through the fabric over a 24-hour period. Similarly, 5,000g is considered fine for low-energy activities, while you’ll want 20,000g or more for really demanding use. Remember, that equates to losing 20kg of sweat over 24 hours – something that would put most of us in the grave. However, it allows the fabric to keep pace with irregular bouts of intense activity.

So far so good, but there are lots of ways of simulating these experiments in the laboratory, and not everyone agrees on the methodology. Perhaps a more useful measure to compare wet weather gear, then, is to look at how they’ve been tested in the real world.

There’s a degree of real competition here between manufacturers, who vie to supply and clothe the highest profile sailors. Ian Walker, who skippered Abu Dhabi to victory in the last Volvo Ocean Race, wore Musto clothing, as did the winner of this year’s Vendée Globe singlehanded race, Frenchman Armel le Cléac’h. More telling, perhaps, is the fact that over half the Vendée Globe non-stop singlehanded round the world sailors wore Musto as well.

Testing ground

“The Volvo Ocean Race is the most extreme testing ground available,” said Musto’s Shane Rhone. “We pioneer our garments to endure, survive and outperform the brutality and severity of the harshest of these weather conditions.” At the end of the last Volvo Ocean Race the design and production teams travelled to Gothenburg for a full debrief with the four teams that wore Musto throughout the race. “We wanted to talk to them as soon as they stepped off the boats to ensure nothing was forgotten – we always want the good, the bad and the ugly detail of their experience to help us push forward.”

That said, what works for top flight racers doesn’t always translate to everyday sailing.

Design process

“When designing sailing kit, discipline-dependant, we start the process the old fashioned way, pen and paper, face-to-face with the people that live and breathe the product – with professional sailors of the highest calibre, we analyse and scrutinise our past and present products in order to move them forward to ensure they meet the ever changing demands of the sailing world.”

Henri Lloyd works in a similar way, using CAD technology as the basis for its design work. “During the development cycle of a new product, the first concept is office/computer based, after that the majority of the product development is conducted out of a traditional office environment.”

It takes anything from 18 months to three years to get from the initial concept to a product in a store.

What’s next?

Musto promises some ‘amazing concepts’ appearing in its future ranges soon. In general, the trend is towards lighter, more flexible garments and enhanced breathability and waterproofing. “Streamlining and minimising construction is key – reducing seams ultimately reduces the chances of a garment failure and increases our products’ durability,” said Musto’s Shane Rhone. He also pointed to weaving in different fabrics as a likely development. “Reinforcements in seat and knee panels are currently overlaid, adding unwanted bulk and weight to the overall garment. It is possible to weave the reinforcement fabric within the main body fabric, eliminating fussy multi layers as well as bulk.”

Henri Lloyd is pursuing flexibility in its clothing. “Our latest range has also pushed the boundaries on the use of stretch fabrics which have been incorporated alongside non-stretch fabrics within the product design,” said marketing manager Amy Grealish. For example, the company’s new jackets (overleaf) use waterproof softshell fabrics for a more comfortable seal at the cuff.

Amy says that sailors should look out for more stretchy fabric, intelligent insulation and pioneering design features soon. She held out another intriguing possibility as well: that technical clothing would begin to look more like everyday wear. “The consumer is constantly looking for products that are multi-functional and can be worn for both every day use and as sporting attire for a variety of sporting activities.”

Gill is also following a similar line of development. Product development director Matt Clark said: “We are all living increasingly busy lifestyles so there is a focus on versatile garments that perform and look great on and off the boat.”

Aussie upstart Zhik, which is well known in the dinghy racing world, but less common in cruising, has also developed a midlayer that it claims is warmer than the competition, and more breathable.

It is a sandwich of Zhik’s stretchy Xeflex fabric with a nano layer of foil to reflect body heat, plus a vertically lapped insulating fibre that resists compression.

Zhik sailing jacket testing

To establish the credentials of its offshore gear, Zhik turned to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. R&D manager Tom Hussey asked the scientists to simulate wear and tear on garments so that Zhik could establish how durable the waterproof qualities of its fabrics were.

The solution was a kind of washing machine ( below ), fitted with steel teeth to accelerate the abrasion which sailing garments suffer. Running the machine with their own and competitors’ gear, Zhik, retested the waterproofing and breathability at 30-minute intervals (roughly equivalent to a year of normal use).

The company claims that its products outperformed the market- leading gear within minutes of the experiment starting. After two hours of testing, involving 7200 impacts equivalent to three legs of the Volvo Ocean Race, Zhik claimed its top flight Isotak Ocean fabric was 10 times more waterproof than the competition.

These claims are hard to verify, and make no mention of breathability. So perhaps the key point is that waterproofing deteriorates quite rapidly in all sailing gear, and that wearers should re-energise the water-repellent layer on the surface of the garment with a wash followed by a gentle tumble dry.

Henri Lloyd field tests

The gear has appeared on the backs of professional crews including those on Wild Oats XI , the maxi yacht that has taken line honours eight times in the punishing Rolex Sydney-Hobart race.

One crewmember said afterwards: “The Henri Lloyd Elite range was the perfect choice for our crew for the conditions that we encounter during our racing programme, including the long periods of time hiking on the rail during the Sydney-Hobart Race”.

Henri Lloyd is also the official technical clothing supplier to Land Rover BAR, the challenger hopefuls for the America’s Cup, lead by Ben Ainslie. Together, they have put a lot of work into completely redesigning the race smock worn by crew on board. “It benefits from incorporation of stretch panels at the shoulder and elbow, whilst the placement of the fast-draining side access stow pocket means that you have access to the pocket even when wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket,” a team member said.

Gear Test: Splash Robe

Southampton Boat Show 2024: What to Expect

Gear Test: Shore2Sea Dry Bag

Offering a wealth of practical advice and a dynamic mix of in-depth boat, gear and equipment news, Sailing Today is written cover to cover by sailors, for sailors. Since its launch in 1997, the magazine has sealed its reputation for essential sailing information and advice.

Telegraph.co.uk

ADVERTISING

The 6 Best Sailing Jackets

The 6 best sailing jackets are listed below.

Best Overall : Helly Hansen Waterproof Jacket
Best Lightweight : Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket
Best Foul Weather Gear : Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit
Best Heavy Duty : Gill Offshore Jacket
Best For Women : Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat
Best For Kids : Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket

When it comes to embarking on a sailing adventure, having the right gear is essential for safety and comfort.

The best sailing jackets are more than just marine outerwear; they are nautical performance jackets designed to withstand the rigors of seafaring conditions. These top-rated yacht coats offer not only protection from the elements but also a blend of style and functionality.

Sailboat foul-weather attire like this is indispensable for offshore sailing, providing windproof and waterproof qualities that keep sailors dry and comfortable. Whether you're coastal cruising or engaged in a high-stakes regatta, these premium marine jackets are your go-to choice. Their breathability ensures that even in demanding conditions, you stay comfortable, and their water-resistant properties make them the ideal choice for any boat deck attire. So, equip yourself with high-performance sailing wear, and set sail confidently with the best in sailing jackets.

A top sailing jacket will keep you warm and dry in harsh marine weather in winter months and warm on cooler summer evenings.

There are a number of top sailing jackets to choose from with each having its own strengths.

A good sailing jacket is one that protects you from the elements, is comfortable to wear and allows for a full range of movement.

In finding the greatest sailing jackets, we looked at different types from the best waterproof sailing jacket, yachting jackets, general boating jackets, professional sailors jackets and coastal jackets.

1. Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket

Best Overall Sailing Jacket Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer

The best overall sailing jacket is the Men's Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket manufactured by the brand Helly Hansen in Oslo, Norway and sold worldwide. We rate this jacket 10/10.

Most retailers price the Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket between $150 to $170. The Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket weighs 645 grams. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

This jacket fits regular with space around the waist and chest area. It is neither an oversized fit or a slim fit.

It can be used for coastal sailing, offshore sailing, inshore sailing and as a general lifestyle jacket.

The Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket performance metrics are:

Windproof : This jacket is windproof rated 13 - 30 CFM which means it is wind resistant and can protect against medium levels of wind
Waterproofness : This jacket has a waterproofness protection range of 5000mm to <10,000 mm which means it offers medium waterproofness and can withstand moderate rain
Breathability : This jacket has a breathability range of between 5,000g/m 2 to < 10,000 g/mm 2 which means it is breathable enough for moderate activity

The Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket is constructed of HELLY TECH Protection fabric system which is 100% polyester with the insulated polartec 100g fleece lining being of 100% recycled polyester, sealed seams, a high collar, adjustable hem and cuffs, two zipped hand pockets, a main zipper in the center to fasten the jacket up and the polyester material is treated with durable water repellency treatment (DWR).

The Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket design includes a "HH" logo on the front of the collar, a "HELLY HANSEN" logo on the back of the collar, a "HH" logo on the back of the left shoulder, a "HH" logo on the right arm and a "HELLY HANSEN" logo on the left arm near the cuff.

The Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket comes in 8 colors which are red, navy, black, bright white, racer blue, stone grey, blue and yellow.

The Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket comes in 9 sizes which are XS, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, 3x-Large, 4x-Large and 5x-Large. The chest size of this jacket ranges from 35.5 inches for the XS size jacket to 60 inches for the 5x-large. The sleeve length of this jacket ranges from 31 inches for the XS size jacket to 38.5 inches for the 5x-large.

With 9 different sizes, this jacket should fit most adult male body sizes.

The advantages of the Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket are:

It fits comfortably : With the adjustable cuffs and hem, this jacket fits comfortably
It is water repellent : This sailing jacket is water repellent with a water repellency treatment on the fabric that is great for preventing the salty sea water from sticking to the jacket when sailing
It can be used for multiple activities : This jacket can be used for multiple activities including coastal sailing, offshore sailing and inshore sailing and it is not restricted to one activity
It is durable : A Helly Hansen sailing jacket is high quality and durable and will last for 2 years
It is wind resistant : This Helly Hansen jacket has a 13-30 CFM rating which means it is wind resistant and it will help prevent moderate wind from getting through the fabric

Two disadvantages of the Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Waterproof Sailing Jacket are there is no hood with this sailing jacket and the color of the jacket can fade over time.

Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket On Amazon →

Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket On Helly Hansen →

2. Columbia Glennaker Lake Packable Rain Jacket

Best Lightweight Sailing Jacket Columbia Glennaker

The best lightweight sailing jacket is the Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket manufactured by the brand Columbia Sportswear and sold worldwide. We rate this jacket 9.9/10.

Most retailers price the Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket between $45 to $95. The price varies based on the size chosen. The Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket weighs 290 grams (10.2 oz.). It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

This jacket fits true to size with space around the waist and shoulders area.

It can be used for coastal sailing, inshore sailing and as a general lifestyle jacket. It can not be used for ocean sailing during harsh marine conditions.

The Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket is constructed of a hydroplus 100% nylon shell, hood stow in the collar, adjustable hem, drawcord adjustable hood, two zippered hand pockets, adjustable cuffs and a mesh lining.

The Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket design includes a "Columbia" brand name and logo on the front left chest area.

The Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket comes in 28 color options which include black, black/grill, blue jay/columbia navy, bluestone/ dark mountain, columbia grey/boulder, cordovan, deep marine, delta/shark, elderberry, electric turquoise/nimbus grey, harvester/shark, kelp/spruce, laser lemon/black, mango, metal/shark, mountain red/graphite, spruce, stone green, tusk/grill, night tide, red jasper, mosstone/shark, azul/collegiate navy, canyon sun/city grey, wildfire/shark, blue, columbia grey/mountain and thyme green/spruce.

The Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket comes in 22 sizes from small to 6-XL. The chest size of this jacket ranges from 36 inches for the smallest size jacket to 68 inches for the largest size which is 6-XL.

The sleeve length of this jacket ranges from 33 inches for the smallest size jacket to 41 inches for the 6-XL.

The waist size of this jacket ranges from 29 inches for the smallest jacket to 61 inches for the 6-XL jacket.

With 22 different sizes, this jacket should fit most adult male body sizes.

The advantages of the Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket are:

It is climate pledge friendly : The Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket is Bluesign product certified which means this jacket is responsibly manufactured using safer chemicals and less energy
There are many colors to choose from : This jacket comes in 28 different color options so there are plenty of colors for people to choose from to find their favorite
It is lightweight : This jacket weighs just 290 grams (10.2 oz.) so it is lightweight to wear
It is durable : This jacket is made of 100% nylon material which is extremely durable

One disadvantage of the Columbia Men's Glennaker Rain Jacket is it does not protect you against heavier rain.

Columbia Rain Jacket On Amazon →

Columbia Rain Jacket On Walmart →

3.Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit

The best foul-weather sailing jacket is the Unisex Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit manufactured by the brand Navis Marine in China and sold worldwide. We rate this jacket 9.8/10.

Most retailers price the Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit between $150 to $180. The Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit weighs 1.9kg. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

This jacket fits true to size with space around the chest and neck area.

It can be used for coastal sailing, inshore sailing and ocean sailing during harsh weather conditions.

The Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit performance metrics are:

Waterproofness : This jacket has a waterproofness protection range of 12,000mm which means it offers strong waterproofness and can withstand hard rain without rain seeping through the jacket material
Breathability : This jacket has a breathability range of 6,000g/m 2 which means it is slightly breathable but not much moisture gets through the fabric

The Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit is constructed of 90% polyester, 8% polyurethane and 2% other fibers, 2 front YKK zippered pockets, 2 adjustable water seal cuffs, full front zip with a chin guard, a fully mesh-lined hood with elastic adjustment, adjustable elastic hem and 1 inner zip pocket.

The Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit design includes a round-shaped "Navis Marine" brand name and logo on the front left chest area.

It has a round-shaped "Navis Marine" brand name and logo on the upper thigh area of the left bib leg too.

The Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit comes in 3 colors which are blue, charcoal and yellow.

For the best visibility when sailing, we recommend the yellow color.

The Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit comes in 4 sizes which are small, medium, large and X-large. The chest size of this jacket ranges from 37 inches for the smallest size jacket to 47 inches for the largest size jacket.

The waist size of this jacket ranges from 31.5 inches for the smallest jacket to 41.5 inches for the X-large jacket.

The advantages of the Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit are:

It will help to keep you dry : With a waterproofness protection range of 12,000mm, this jacket will keep you dry in the rain and wet weather ‍
It is comfortable : The adjustable cuff straps, fit to size, warm pockets and chin pad help to keep people comfortable and warm during wet weather
It is durable : The 90% polyester material is durable and this jacket will last for 3 years

One disadvantage of the Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit is it can't be worn as a lifestyle jacket.

Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit On Amazon →

4. GILL Offshore Jacket

Best Heavy Duty Sailing Jacket GILL Offshore

The best heavy-duty sailing jacket is the Men's GILL Offshore Jacket manufactured by the U.K. brand Gill in Vietnam and sold worldwide. We rate this jacket 9.7/10.

Most retailers price the GILL Offshore Jacket between $250 to $350. The Men's OS2 Offshore Jacket weighs 3.26 pounds. It comes with the Gill Guarantee which is a limited lifetime warranty against defects.

This jacket fits true to size with space around the chest, waist and arms area.

It can be used for ocean sailing activities, offshore sailing, coastal sailing and long-term sailing trips.

The GILL Offshore Jacket performance metrics are:

Waterproofness : This jacket has a waterproofness protection range of 20,000mm hydrostatic head which means it offers very strong waterproofness and can withstand extremely heavy rain without rain seeping through the jacket material
Breathability : This jacket has a breathability range of 5,000g/m 2 which means it is not very breathable but not much moisture gets through the fabric

The GILL Offshore Jacket is constructed of 100% nylon main lining, 100% nylon mesh, 100% polyester fleece and 100% polyester reinforcement (2-layer laminated fabric), fully taped seams for a waterproof seal, a high-cut thermal collar that protects the face, a thermal fleece inner collar and chin guard, fully lined hi-vis hood with a 3-way adjustment system and internal fleece lined cord, 2-way zipper in the front center of the jacket, a zippered internal pocket, 3 prismatic reflectives, velcro adjustable cuffs with PU inner seals and 2 front pockets with 2 anti-corrosive YKK aquaguard water resistant zips.

The GILL Offshore Jacket design includes a "Gill" brand name on the outer front left chest area and a "Gill" brand name on the upper back of the jacket. There are 3 prismatic reflectives on this sailing jacket, one in the front center area, one on the upper left arm and one on the upper right arm.

The GILL Offshore Jacket comes in 4 colors which are bright red, black, dark blue/light blue and tango/dark blue.

For the best visibility when sailing, we recommend the bright red-colored jacket.

The GILL Offshore Jacket comes in 9 sizes which are extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, 2x-large, 3x-large, MT and XLT. The chest size of this jacket ranges from 34 inches for the smallest size jacket to 52 inches for the largest size jacket.

The waist size of this jacket ranges from 28 inches for the extra small jacket to 45 inches for the largest jacket.

The advantages of the GILL Offshore Jacket are:

It protects against wind and rain : This jacket comes with a hood that helps to protect the head from wind and rain. The high collar design helps protect the face area from wind and rain too
It has plenty of storage pockets : This jacket comes with 3 pockets with plenty of space to store items while sailing
It is extremely waterproof : This jacket with a waterproofness protection range of 20,000mm is extremely waterproof and it will help keep rainwater or seawater out of the fabric

One disadvantage of the GILL Offshore Jacket is it can restrict mobility around the neck and face area due to its weight and design.

GILL Offshore Jacket On Amazon →

Gill Offshore Jacket On Walmart →

5. Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat

Best Women Sailing Jacket Helly Hansen Women

The best sailing jacket for women is the Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat manufactured by the brand Helly Hansen in Oslo, Norway and sold worldwide. We rate this jacket 9.6/10.

Most retailers price the Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat between $70 to $90. The Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat weighs 590 grams. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

This jacket fits true to size with space around the chest, shoulders and arm area.

The Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat performance metrics are:

Windproof : This jacket is windproof rated 0 CFM which means it is completely windproof and no wind will get through
Waterproofness : This jacket has a waterproofness protection range of 20,000mmH20 which means it is completely waterproof against heavy rain
Breathability : This jacket has a breathability range of <5,000g/m 2 which means it is only slightly breathable and not not much perspiration can get through this material

The Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat is constructed of a 100% polyurethane shell, Helox fabric construction, welded seams, a high collar and a hood, an adjustable shock cord at the hood, adjustable cuffs and bottom hem, two pockets with flap and rivets and a front placket with hidden snap button closure and YKK zipper in the center at the front of the jacket.

The Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat design includes a "HH" printed brand name on the front left chest area of the jacket.

The Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat comes in 3 colors which are yellow, catalina blue and black.

For the best visibility when sailing, we recommend the yellow-colored jacket.

The Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat comes in 5 sizes which are x-small, small, medium, large and x-large.

The bust size of this jacket ranges from 34 inches for the x-small size jacket to 42.5 inches for the x-large. The waist size of this jacket ranges from 27 inches for the x-small size jacket to 35.5 inches for the x-large.

The advantages of the Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat are:

It will keep the rain off your body : This jacket is extremely waterproof and windproof which helps keep the rain and wind off your body
It is comfortable to wear : This jacket is comfortable to wear with the jacket fitting true to size with plenty of space for mobility
It offers added safety : The yellow colored jacket helps to stay visible on the water and makes it easier for other boaters to see you

One disadvantage of the Helly Hansen Women's Waterproof Raincoat is it is not very fashionable so if you are concerned about appearance, you may prefer to wear a different type of jacket when sailing.

Helly Hansen Women's Raincoat On Amazon →

Helly Hansen Women's Raincoat On Helly Hansen →

6. Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket

Best Kids Sailing Jacket Hiheart Waterproof Jacket

The best sailing jacket for kids is the Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket manufactured by the brand Hiheart in America and sold worldwide. We rate this jacket 8.9/10.

Most retailers price the Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket between $30 to $40. The Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket weighs 12 ounces. It is a lightweight jacket.

This jacket fits true to size with space around the chest, shoulders and waist area and a tighter fit around the wrist area.

It can be used for coastal sailing, offshore sailing, inshore sailing and as a general lifestyle jacket for children aged between 3 to 12 years old.

The Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket performance metrics are:

Windproof : This jacket is windproof rated 20 CFM which means it is moderately windproof
Waterproofness : This jacket has a waterproofness protection range of 3,000mmH20 which means it is slightly water resistant and will protect against light rain
Breathability : This jacket has a breathability range of 10,000g/m 2 which means it is breathable enough for moderate levels of activity ‍

The Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket is constructed of 100% polyester shell material, cotton liner material with polyester sleeves, a zipper closure with velcro tabs in the front center area of the jacket, 2 front pockets, a hood, and 2 rib knit cuffs.

The Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket comes in 10 colors which are blue, dark navy, grey, green, orange, pink, purple, red, rose and yellow.

The Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket comes in 7 sizes which are 3T, 4T, 4 - 5T, 6-7 years, 7-8 years, 8-9 years and 10-12 years.

The advantages of the Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket are:

It offers great mobility : This jacket is comfortable and offers great mobility so kids can perform moderate activities unimpeded by the jacket
It has multiple color options to choose from : With 10 color options, there are plenty of options for kids to choose from. Some of the colors are bright which helps with visibility when sailing too
It is comfortable : With a soft cotton liner, this jacket is comfortable for kids to wear

One disadvantage of the Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket is it is only slightly waterproof and will only protect against light rain.

Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket On Amazon →

Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket On Walmart →

Top Sailing Jackets Comparison Table

Rating	Price	Best For	Sizes	Fit	Weight
10/10	$150 - $170	Comfort, Water Repellent	9 Sizes	Fit To Size	645 grams
9.9/10	$45 - $90	Lightweight, Mobility	22 Sizes	Fit To Size	290 grams
9.8/10	$150 - $180	Full Foul Weather Grear	4 Sizes	Fit To Size	1.9kg
9.7/10	$250 - $350	Heavy Duty	9 Sizes	Fit To Size	3.26 pounds
9.6/10	$70 - $90	Women	5 Sizes	Fit To Size	590 grams
8.9/10	$70 - $90	Kids	7 Sizes	Fit To Size	12 oz.

What To Consider When Buying A Sailing Jacket

A good sailing jacket has 5 key attributes that make it well-suited for use on the water.

The 5 most important attributes to consider when buying a sailing jacket are:

Waterproof and breathable material : A good sailing jacket should be made of material that is both waterproof and breathable. This will help keep you dry and comfortable in wet conditions while also allowing moisture to escape from the jacket, preventing you from getting too hot and sweaty
Hood : A hood is essential for protecting your head from the wind and rain when sailing. Look for a sailing jacket with a hood that can be adjusted for a snug fit and that has a peak to help keep the rain out of your face
Pockets : Sailing jackets should have plenty of pockets for storing items. Look for jackets with pockets that are easily accessible and that have secure closures to prevent items from falling out or from seawater or rainwater getting in
Comfort and mobility : A sailing jacket should be comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time and should allow for a full range of movement so you can move freely while sailing
Visibility : A good sailing jacket should help you stay visible on the water. Look for jackets with reflective details or bright colors that will make you more visible to other boats

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Sailing Jackets

Below are the most commonly asked questions about top sailing jackets.

What Are The Top Sailing Jacket Brands?

The top sailing jacket brands are:

Helly Hansen
Navis Marine
Columbia Sportwear

How Much Do Top Sailing Jackets Cost?

The best sailing jackets cost $30 to $350.

What Is The Cheapest Top Sailing Jacket?

The cheapest best sailing jacket is the Hiheart Unisex Kid's Waterproof Jacket which costs between $30 and $40.

What Is The Most Expensive Top Sailing Jacket?

The most expensive top sailing jacket is the GILL Offshore Jacket which costs between $250 to $350.

How To Re-Waterproof My Foul Weather Gear

Good quality foul weather gear can be expensive, especially if you have open ocean-rated full-body dry suits.

But that doesn’t mean that they remain waterproof indefinitely. After a while, even the best sailing foul weather gear will experience a loss in performance.

To keep your foul weather gear in good condition, wash them regularly, check for damage (and fix where possible), and re-waterproof them.

At a Glance:

1️⃣ Always wash the garment before re-waterproofing.

2️⃣ There are three waterproofing methods – spray, wash, and wax.

3️⃣ Never store foul weather gear when it is wet.

💦 Re-Waterproofing Methods

Several commercially available products can be used to re-waterproof your foul weather gear.

Before applying any waterproofing, wash the foul-weather gear . Washing instructions for foul weather gear can generally be on the garments label.

Foul weather gear is generally coated in a Durable Water-Repellant (DWR) finish. This ends up as a hydrophobic glaze that water cannot penetrate. It has the advantage of allowing the coats to be breathable and waterproof.

There are three application methods.

Spray-On Solutions

Hang the foul weather gear on a clothesline to get 360-degree access.

Carefully spray the waterproofer all over the garments.

Most spray can products have sufficient waterproofing to complete one garment. Ensure you cover the whole garment, paying particular attention to creases and folds.

If you have any mixture left in the can, respray all the areas that show high wear. These include areas with wear abrasions, such as arms, legs, shoulders, armpits, and the crotch/upper thigh area.

Spray-on weatherproofing products include the following:

🥇 Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On Waterproofing: Buy it now 🥈 Gear Aid Revivex: Buy it now 🥉 Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield: Buy it now

Wash-In Formulas

The wash-in formulas are the most convenient method, ensuring an even coating over the garment.

The application is straightforward. All that is required is to pour the product into the detergent tray of a front-loading washing machine.

Place the garment inside the washing machine. Most products require warm water (+-30 o C) and a gentle cycle.

Some product treatments suggest placing the garment in an electric tumble dryer to activate the coating and bed it into the material.

A dryer is not ideal for foul weather gear, and a product that does not require this step is better suited.

Check with each manufacturer first.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle of the waterproofer you’re using.
Check the foul weather gear label to ensure you comply with washing and waterproofing instructions.

Wash-in weatherproofing products include the following:

🥇 Grangers Wash + Repel: Buy it now 🥈 Nikwax Cotton Proof Waterproofing: Buy it now 🥉 STAR BRITE Low-Odor: Buy it now

Using Waterproof Wax

Ensure that the foul weather gear is clean and has no dirt or dust on the surface. Once the wax is applied, it can be tough to remove.

Waterproof waxes generally need to be heated before they can be applied. Place the dispensing bottle in a pan with 1.5 inches of water and heat it until the wax melts.

Dip a cloth into the melted wax and apply the mixture to the gear. If the applied coat is thick enough, the surface will look shiny.

Press the wax into the fabric using your fingers and a canvas smoothing tool . This will also help remove the white clumps of wax and create the desired waterproof seal.

In difficult-to-reach areas, you can use the edge of the canvas smoothing tool to remove the wax.

Hang the garment in a warm, dry spot for 24 hours. This provides time for any remaining white spots to reduce as the oils evaporate. The result is the wax binds with the fabric, leaving it waterproof.

Wax weatherproofing products include the following:

🥇 Otter Wax: Buy it now 🥈 Barbour Thornproof Dressing: Buy it now

🧼 Maintaining Your Gear

Foul weather gear should be regularly maintained to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

Regular Inspections

Check the condition of the material. In particular, look for tears or other damage. Look out for areas experiencing high wear.

After the gear has been washed, ensure that you dry it properly.

Identifying Damage And Wear

If there is damage, it is possible to use a PVC repair kit to fix it; however, most manufacturers recommend that the product be returned for professional fixing.

Proper Storage Techniques

Once the gear has been properly dried, store it by hanging it in a closet or a cool, dry place.

🔑 Key Takeaways

For foul weather gear to remain functional, it must be inspected and re-waterproofed periodically.

1️⃣ Always wash the foul weather gear before re-waterproofing.

2️⃣ Use one of the three product types available.

3️⃣ Only store the equipment when it is completely dry.

A little effort makes a big difference when it means having a warm body while battling high seas. Along with other safety gear , foul weather gear needs to be protected.

Written by:

I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.

Ex-Display & Sample Sale

Search for:

No products in the basket.

Base Layers
Technical T-Shirts
Sailing Jackets
Sailing Trousers
Dinghy Footwear
Sweatshirts
Holebrook Samples
Pelle Samples
Changing Robes
Cleaners & Proofers
Scarves / Snood
Dinghy Equipment
Hi-fits / Trousers
Hiking Equipment
Hiking Shorts
Spray Tops / Smocks
Full Wetsuits
Shorty Wetsuits
Long John Wetsuits
Wetsuit Tops
Wetsuit Shorts & Trousers
Summer Wetsuits
Winter Wetsuits
Children’s Wetsuits
Men’s Wetsuits
Women's Wetsuits
Wetsuit Sale
Technical Clothing
Casual Clothing
Hats, Gloves, Socks & Scarves
Watersports
Accessories Sale
Amazing Bundle Deals
Cables & Accessories
Fixed GPS/plotters
GPS Antennas
Handheld GPS/Plotters
Marine Cameras
Mounting/Brackets
Radar Scanners
Sailing Watches
Thermal Cameras
Waterproof Cases
Accessories
Fish Finder Sonar
Depth Instruments
Multifunction Systems
Speed Instruments
Weather Instruments
Wind Instruments
Autopilot Accessories
Cockpit Autopilots
Onboard Autopilots
Navigation Charts
Plotting Aids
Entertainment Accessories
Entertainment Systems
Speakers & Subs
Electronics
4G and WIFI
Handheld VHF Radio
Mounted VHF Radio
VHF Antennas
Walkie Talkies
Buoyancy Aids
Lifejackets
Children’s Life Jackets
Commercial Lifejackets
Harnesses/Bosuns Chair
Lifejacket Accessories
Safety Knives
Safety Lights
Safety Lines
PLB & AIS
Satellite Communicators
Fire Safety Stick
Fire Extinguishers
GPS Tracker
Liferaft Accessories
Recovery Devices
Survival Suit
Cones & Balls
Dye Markers
Horns & Whistles
RADAR Reflectors
Bungs & Bailers
Battery Management
Chargers & Alternators
Electrical Other
Leisure Batteries
Plugs & Connectors
Shore Power
Wind Generator
USB & Phone Chargers
Blocks & Terminals
Circuit Breakers
Seals / Outlets / Plugs
Switches & Panels
Wires & Cables
Deck Lights
Interior Lighting
Navigation Lights
Searchlights
Head Torches
Freshwater Pumps
Macerator Pumps
Service Kits
Toilets/Waste
Spray Guns & Connectors
Toilet Accessories
Toilet Parts
Waste Tanks
Ball Valves
Inlet & Skin Fittings
Metal Plumbing Fittings
Plastic Plumbing Fittings
Diverter Valves
Non Return Valves
Deionised Water
Filters & Purification
Taps & Sinks
Water Heaters
Water Tanks
Gas Connectors
Gas Fittings
Bow Thruster
Bungs And Self Bailers
Cleats and Fairleads
Deck Filler
Deck Flooring & Protection
Eye Bolts & U Bolts
Grab Rail / Handles
Hooks and Clips
Latches & Catches
Shackles & Swivels
Tiller Extenders & Joints
Track & Cars
Winch Handles
Fans & Windscoops
Hatch & Inspection Covers
Hatch Shades
Hatches & Portlights
Plastic Hatches
Yacht / Keelboat Rope
Dinghy Rope
Dockline / Mooring Rope
General Purpose Rope
Watersports Rope
Fender Rope
Rope Accessories
Furling & Reefing
Mast, Spars & Sails
Pins & Rings
Rigging Screws, Adjusters & Tensioners
Splicing & Whipping
Thimbles & Stoppers
Galvanising Paints
Thinners & Solvents
Paint Brushes
Glue & Adhesives
Mixing Pots & Accessories
Resins & Epoxy
Sealants & Caulking
Boat Cleaner
Cleaning Equipment
Fabric Cleaners & Proofers
General Cleaners
Metal Cleaners
Onboard Cleaner
Polishes & Waxes
Vinyl Cleaner
Teak Cleaner
All Zinc Anodes
Zinc Shaft / Prop
Zinc Engine / Outdrive
All Aluminium Anodes
Aluminium Hull
Aluminium Shaft / Prop
Aluminium Engine / Outdrive
All Magnesium Anodes
Magnesium Hull
Magnesium Shaft / Prop
Magnesium Engine / Outdrive
Bow Thruster Anodes
Hanging Anodes
Bolts & Fixings
Backing Pads
Lubricants & Grease
Power Tools
Marine Prepacks
Dehumidifiers
Blowers & Exhaust
Engine Oil & Additives
Oil Extractors & Filters
Shaft Bearings
Pumps & Inflation
Tender Accessories
Petrol Engines
Boat Fender
Dock Fender
Edging Strip
Hooks & Pumps
Mooring Buoy
Step Fenders
Anchor Bags
Anchor Connectors
Anchor Lines
Anchor Windlass
Compensators
Personal Craft
Engine Covers
Fuel Tanks & Lines
Fuel Connectors
Kill Switches
Propeller Bags
Straps & Ratchets
Flag Staff & Holder
Lighters & Matches
Cabinet Fridges
Cooling Kits
Portable Fridge/freezers
Chandlery Misc
Cup Holders
Sail Knives
Seats & Cushions
Games & Toys
Gift Vouchers
Nautical Gifts
Novelty Hats
Anemometers
Clocks & Barometers
Teak Fittings
Weather Stations
Galley Equipment
Tumblers & Glasses
Water Bottles & Flask
Inflatable Paddleboards
Hard Paddleboards
Inflatable Kayaks
Handles / Bridles
Throw Lines
Swim Accessories
Sea Scooter
Free Delivery on UK mainland orders over £100 excl. Highlands / rural areas

Orders placed after 3PM Friday 23rd August will be processed and packed over the Bank Holiday weekend, but will not be collected by the courier until Tuesday 27th August (Click HERE for more information).

Port Solent Store / Click & Collect - Open as usual throughout the weekend and bank holiday Monday See opening times HERE

Sailing Suits & Wet Weather Gear

For the ultimate in foul weather protection when out on the waves pick up a full sailing suit from Marine Super Store and save on the cost of buying a separate sailing jacket with salopettes or sailing trousers . We’ve got the latest foul weather gear featuring breathable layered fabric for comfort and flexibility in testing conditions, from leading brands including Musto , Helly Hansen and Gill . Browse our full range below and pick out your ideal waterproof sailing outfit.

Don’t forget to layer up under your sailing suit to ensure you keep warm during the colder months with our range of base layer clothing.

Showing all 25 results

$Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore Suit 2.0 2024 - Image$

Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore Suit 2.0 2024

Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore Suit 2.0 for Women 2024

Musto BR2 Offshore Suit 2.0 2024

Helly Hansen Aegir Race Suit 2.0 – 2024

Helly Hansen Aegir Race Suit 2.0 For Women 2024

Helly Hansen Aegir Race Bib Suit 2.0 – 2024.

Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Suit 2024

Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Suit for Women 2024.

Musto BR2 Offshore Suit 2.0 for Women 2024

Gill OS2 Offshore Suit 2024

Musto Men’s BR1 Channel Suit 2024

Musto HPX Ocean Suit 2024

Helly Hansen Aegir Ocean Suit 2024

Helly Hansen Pier 3.0 Suit For Men 2024

Gill Coastal Suit OS3 For Women 2023

Gill OS2 Offshore Suit for Women 2024

Helly Hansen Pier 3.0 Suit For Women 2024

Gill OS3 Men’s Coastal Suit 2024

Gill OS3 Women’s Coastal Suit 2024

Helly Hansen Aegir Race Suit

Helly Hansen Aegir Race Suit for Women

Musto HPX Pro Ocean Smock Suit 2024

Gill Verso Suit

Gill OS1 Ocean Suit 2024

Musto Women’s BR1 Channel Suit 2024

Username or email address *

Password *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address *

A password will be sent to your email address.

Yachting Monthly

Digital edition

Best sailing waterproofs: 7 lightweight options for summer sailing

Laura Hodgetts
May 4, 2021

Decent, dry and warm waterproofs are the staple of most sailor's kit bag, even in the summer. We look at seven new products to hit the market

Yachting Monthly Editor Theo Stocker testing Musto LPX lightweight waterproofs

Unpredictable British weather means you will still need waterproofs in the summer. Credit: Georgie Stocker

Even sailing in the summer, we often need to reach for our waterproofs to ride out a nasty forecast or sudden downpour.

We look at the latest waterproofs on the market.

Tested: Gill Kenton Warm Pilot Jacket

Our tester appreciated the warmth of the quick drying, synthetic insulation

The Kenton jacket uses Gill’s in-house Xplore waterproof, breathable ‘soft touch’ fabric.

Synthetic insulation and polyester liner makes donning over other layers easier.

An ergonomic cut and long body keep out draughts.

Adjustable cuffs and hem and an adjustable hood that stows in the fleece-lined collar all worked well.

There are two zipped external pockets and a zipped internal chest pocket.

It has reflective detailing for visibility

It comes in men’s and women’s fits and in silver or blue.

We gave it a test out on the water and really appreciated the additional warmth of the insulation.

The waterproofing seemed to work well and the fit was unobtrusive.

It has internal storm guards but waterproof zips would be the icing on the cake, but the hand-warmer pockets, reinforced seat and cuff areas, and a well-fitting hood were all nice touches.

Specs: Fabric Composition: Main: 100% Polyester. Lining: 100% Polyester. Fill: 100% Polyester. Features: Reflective details for visibility. Rollaway hood with 2-way volume adjustment. Internal security pocket. Front zipper protected by inner storm guard. Fully taped seams. 80g/m thermal insulation in torso. 60g/m thermal insulation in sleeves. Price: £165

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

www.gb.gillmarine.com

Tested: Musto LPX Lightweight Waterproofs

These lightweight Goretex waterproofs – jacket, salopettes or shorts – aren’t cheap, but they offer top-end weather resistance with none of the bulk.

The jacket (£350) has two simple zipped pockets with laser-cut drainage, an arm pocket for small items and elasticated cuff adjusters.

The hood, which has a soft peak just big enough to keep the rain off, doesn’t have stowage in the collar but it can be zipped off.

The salopettes (£300) include a full body with an elasticated waist and stretch shoulders.

Cargo pockets are high enough to use like trouser pockets and have handwarmers behind.

The shorts (£150) were a boon in the British summer – I kept a dry backside despite rain, wet decks and damp dinghy rides.

These waterproofs will keep the rain and spray out, though for more serious conditions, they lack features like face protection, insulation and high collars.

I spent most of last season in these, with my more serious oilies pressed into service just a couple of times.

Specs: Musto LPX Lightweight Waterproofs – shorts

Fabric composition: Gore-Tex Features: Reinforced in the high-wear seat area with 600 denier abrasion-resistant fabric. A high back with a lightly padded waistband. A double belt loop makes for easy attachment of tools. 2 below patch pockets & zipped pockets Price : £150

Specs: Musto LPX Lightweight Waterproofs – jacket

Fabric composition: Polyester 3 layer Gore-Tex Features: Brushed tricot-lined collar. External hypalon hang loop for decreased drying times. YKK AquaGuard zip for a fully waterproof closure. 3-layer Gore-Tex laminate for waterproof and windproof protection and breathability. Detachable and adjustable hood with a stiffened peak to keep run-off water away from your face. Sleeve pocket for easy storage of small essentials Price: £350

www.musto.com

At a glance: North Sails Clothing Foul Weather Gear

North Sails Clothing Foul Weather Gear waterproofs

North Sails’ innovative foul weather gear and deck wear, created with designer Nigel Musto, has four ranges: Ocean, Offshore, Inshore and GP Aero, all aimed at performance-focused sailors.

Features include: Gore-Tex Pro construction, a membrane offering ‘superior durable’ waterproofing and breathability; TightWeave face fabric to stop water absorption and penetration; a four-layer laminate alternative to traditional patch-reinforced areas; reducing weight by preventing water absorption.

Prices range from £140 for fast-dry shorts to £900 for the Southern Ocean Smock, above).

Specs: Southern Ocean Smock Fabric Composition: 100% recycled polyamide/polyamide Features: Gore-Tex Pro construction. 9inch ocean collar and hood design. DuraSeal at neck and wrists. Internal neoprene waist seal. Reinforced seat. Extra long 95cm back length. Articulation panel for movement. Oversize fit to allow for other layers Price: £900

www.northsails.com/performance

At a glance: Gill OS3 Coastal Foulies

Gill’s OS3 System is a lighter, cheaper development of its OS1 and OS2 ranges.

Featuring two-layer XPLORE fabric and XPEL technology, with fully taped seams and a non-absorbent, quick-dry lining, the jacket (£185) has an adjustable hi-vis hood, high cut thermal collar, adjustable cuffs with inner seals, YKK Aquaguard zip with internal storm guard and Velcro-sealed pockets.

Trousers, available with braces (£145) or without (£120), have a drainage facility, front zip, internal gusset, semi-elasticated waist and reinforced seat and knees.

Shorts will soon be available.

Specs: Fabric Composition: Outer: 100% Nylon, Main Lining: 100% Polyester, Mesh: 100% Polyester, Fleece Lining: 100% Polyester Features: Fully lined hi-vis hood with 2-way adjustment system for comfort. High cut thermal collar. Adjustable cuffs with PU inner seals for watertight comfort. YKK Aquaguard front zip with internal storm guard. Side entry pockets with velcro closure. Price: £185

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Buy it now on eBay (US)

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

gb.gillmarine.com

Continues below…

The best deck trainers from £30 for cruising sailors

Deck shoes have moved on since the traditional leather moccasin was first designed in 1935. The YM team put 11…

Best sailing jackets and pants for boaters

Sailing waterproofs needn’t break the bank. YM put seven sets of inshore and coastal oilskins under £350 to the test

Best waterproof jackets and salopettes for offshore sailors

The biggest storm should be water off a duck’s back in these rugged offshore waterproofs. The YM team put six…

Best sailing boots: 9 of the best seaboots tested in Dutch sea trial

Wherever and whenever you sail, sea boots are essential if you want the comfort of warm, dry feet. The Yachting…

At a glance: 878 Apparel Digital Graphene Jacket

878 Apparel Digital Graphene Jacket waterproof

The ‘world’s first smart sailing apparel’ is priced for deep pockets but the technology, designed for racing crew, could well roll out to the wider sailing community.

Hungarian brand 878’s jacket has a digital, foldable display on the sleeve, which transmits data from boat instruments via Bluetooth.

Made from graphene, an ultra-lightweight, flexible, waterproof material, it maintains an even temperature at both 5º and 21º.

A waterproof inside pocket enables sailors to operate phones.

The 5.4-inch wide angle display can be read in strong sunlight.

Manufactured using a ‘waste free’ digitised production, with a 3D printed zipper.

Specs: Fabric Composition: 3 layered superhydrophobic material with graphene membrane Features: Made to measure. Embedded foldable screen on the sleeve which connects through Bluetooth to B&G and Raymarine systems Price: £1,642

www.878co.com

At a glance: Zhik’s INS100 Inshore Jacket

The lightweight INS100 jacket is designed to be technical afloat and stylish ashore.

It is made with Vecta, a waterproof, two-layer hydrophobic breathable fabric.

It has an additional durable water repellent coating, and soft mesh lining to maximise air flow, fully taped seams at junctions, plus shaped, pre-formed cuffs, two zipped side pockets and a chest pocket for a phone.

Available in black, navy, and ‘platinum’ colours.

Specs: Fabric Composition: 2-layer Vecta Fabric Features: All seams fully taped. Soft mesh lining to maximise airflow. Pre-formed cuffs. 80/20 durable water repellency. Zippered side pockets. Low profile chest pocket. Price: £130

Buy it now from eBay (UK)

Buy it now from eBay (US)

At a glance: Musto LPX Additions Racing Apparel

$Musto LPX Additions Racing Apparel waterproofs$

Musto’s LPX range has expanded with the Gore-Tex Infinium Aero Jacket – a third of the weight of its predecessor.

Designed to be highly breathable, while minimising wind chill, it has internal hem adjusters that channel into hand pockets.

The LPX PrimaLoft Stretch Midlayer Jacket (priced £200), is designed to layer neatly underneath.

It features stretch panels across the shoulders and PrimaLoft Silver insulation.

Specs: Fabric Composition: Shell: 100% Polyester – Lining: 100% Polyester – Shell 2: 89% Polyester, 11% Elastane – Insulation sleeves: 100% Polyester – Insulation body: 100% Polyester Features: Body mapped with high stretch/breathable areas. Reflective film on shoulder seam. YKK Reverse coil front and pocket zippers. Underarm gusset and articulated sleeves. Elasticated Musto embossed cuff hem. Fixed hood with elasticated opening and back panel. Close fit. Hem cord adjusted from inside pocket bag Price: £200

Enjoyed reading 7 waterproofs for summer sailing?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

What to Wear in Moscow in Winter: Surviving Freezing Temps

Europe Packing List , Travel Packing Lists

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Wondering what to wear in Moscow in winter? Follow these tips on clothing, shoes, and accessories to learn how to survive a cold Russian winter!

What to Wear in Moscow in Winter

Written By: Julia K

Going to Moscow for the holidays? You’re in luck!

Why? Because there are no lines to the major tourist spots, there are fewer people in general, and you get the best prices. You can also get bragging rights that you have visited Moscow, Russia during its famous winter.

Winter in Russia lasts about five months. It gets snowy and cold going into negative Celsius at the end of October beginning November. Spring begins in mid-March and lasts till mid-May. Summers are hot and sometimes humid.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating your winter travel capsule wardrobe , which should fit in your suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

The first thing to know as you plan what to wear in Moscow in winter is how to pack for the weather.

Read these guides to get started, then read the specific details below for outfit ideas for various activities in Moscow:

How to Pack for Cold Weather
How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
Extreme Cold Weather Clothing Strategies
The Secret to Packing Light in Winter

Local women look their best anywhere and everywhere they go. Do pack nicer items and bring your makeup, too . The following suggestions are based on a two week itinerary and contain three to four looks for the following activities:

museums, walking around,
going to a theater or ballet,
going out to a restaurant and club, or
getting invited to a random dinner at someone’s apartment, because it can happen!

Traveling to other parts of the country? Read this guide on what to wear in Russia !

Tight | Boots | Down Coat | Thermal Top | Shawls

Walking around the downtown area

Going to Moscow is a very unique experience. Walking around Red Square , New and Old Arbat, and visiting the ice skating rink in VDNH or Gorky Park will require warm attire.

Bring a long, warm winter coat that goes to your knees and has an attached hood. Choose a down jacket like these for optimal warmth. Russian women love fur coats–not just as a fashion statement but due to their functionality in the cold.

Add warm winter accessories such as a big, warm blanket scarf that you can also use as a hood. Don’t forget a warm hat, thermal underwear , and mittens (not gloves).

Find out why thermal underwear for women is absolutely essential for cold weather travel!

As you plan what to wear in Moscow in winter be prepared for icy conditions; bring comfortable shoes with a thick sole that are appropriate for the snow and slush. Here are a few warm waterproof leather boots suggested by our readers. Don’t forget to wear them with warm wool socks !

General tip: wearing layers will give you more freedom in the outside-inside situation. It gets very warm in the subway underground and inside some buildings, compared to the cold outdoors.

It’s important to note that during winter, the temperature varies from -2°C/28°F to -28°C/-18°F, which is exceptionally cold! The average is around -15°C / 5°F.

Kate Spade Knot Earrings | Kate Spade Square Studs

The one easy way to tell a tourist from a local is if they’re wearing heels and makeup. Generally speaking, Moscow ladies take fashion, makeup, hair, and style very seriously. Bring your best attire and a splash of bling for a bit of glam.

A simple set of stud earrings can easily elevate an outfit from drab to chic. From outdoor adventures to city breaks, wear a set like this for any trip!

Jeans | Boots | Poncho | Sweater | Crossbody

Going to a museum

When planning what to wear In Moscow in winter (or anytime), keep in mind that sloppy attire is frowned upon. While looking your best when traveling is always a given, you might be refused service or be simply ignored in certain places. People may treat you differently depending on how you dress.

To a museum, wear dark denim, boots or booties, a crossbody purse , jacket, and a shirt. Don’t forget to do your makeup and hair.

Many places may require you to check your coat so you should still have the appropriate layers to wear inside without feeling uncomfortably warm or cold. Checking your coat also allows you to stay warm when you’re outdoors but move freely indoors.

Learn how to layer clothes !

Places to visit are Diamond Fund , Red Square, the Gum department store (pronounced like goom), and Armoury Chamber , Tsentral’ny Dom Khudozhnika , Pushkin Museum and Tretyakov Gallery .

Black Dress | Drop Earrings | Dress Pump

To a theater or ballet

Winter is the time to visit the world famous Bolshoi Theater. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, then The Nutcracker is the one to see! I would advise getting there one hour early, order some champagne and sandwiches, and check out the crowd. There are plenty of other theaters that are not as famous but equally as good.

Floor length gowns aren’t necessary or practical, so bring a cocktail dress, shoes, evening clutch, jewelry, and do your makeup and hair. Tip: gorgeous jewelry can dress up a versatile LBD.

Do not wear denim to an opera or ballet!

Jeans | Boots | Dress | Crossbody Bag

If you are a guest in someone’s house

Russians do like to invite people into their homes. Dress modestly but with great attention to detail as a well dressed appearance is always appreciated. You can wear dark denim jeans, a sweater, jewelry, a nice bag, and boots.

Please remember to always take off your shoes when in someone’s house. It is considered rude to walk in street shoes at home. So pack your party socks or tights!

Top | Pants | Earrings | Dress Pump

Moscow is a hub of amazing places to eat. One thing’s for sure–you’ll never be hungry. It caters to all budgets and styles. If you’re eating on a budget, then your daytime attire will suit you perfectly.

If you plan to dine at nice restaurants or visit clubs, wear a cocktail dress, black tights, heels, and a clutch. Alternatively, wear leather pants with a flattering long sleeve blouse and jewelry.

General tip : If you plan on dining out, do make a reservation on Fridays and weekends. Otherwise there are plenty of places to choose from. Local favorites include Chaihana , Valenok , Ludi Kak Ludi and any cafe in Kitai Gorod.

Moscow is a non-stop hub of an always-moving machine. You should definitely go and enjoy yourself even during winter! A post on what to wear in Moscow during summer is coming up soon. Stay tuned!

What are your tips on what to wear in Moscow in winter? Share in the comments!

Please note: Most of Europe’s budget airlines have this carryon bag allowance: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airline’s baggage rules in advance.

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

For more tips, please read these Europe packing lists:

Suggested travel resources:

Lonely Planet Russia (Country Guide)
Travel Shoes for Europe
The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

Please read our Ultimate Packing List for Europe featuring stylish outfits and travel tips for 9 countries.

I hope you liked this post on what to wear in Moscow in winter. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Julia K is a travel blogger who believes in utilizing every item in her luggage 101%. When at home, she likes to explore what’s new in the world of travel fashion, food, and travel gadgets. Follow her on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and her blog .

11 Comments

Hello! I am Gong yo travel yo Moscow soon but I dont wear pants too much just once in a week , so could you tell me what dresses can I wear or skirts and how can I be warm and if boots or booties can combined with dresses. Another question is How can I walk with highheels in winter if there is snow?

Hi Avril, thank you for reaching out. Have a look at this article for ideas for how you can layer and accessorize your dresses strategically to keep you warm: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/versatile-dresses-one-dress-many-ways/ You might also find this article interesting about how to style your outfits with ankle boots: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-wear-ankle-boots/ If you have any more questions about packing for Moscow, I would recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post them there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It is a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and suggestions to share. Hope this helps answer your question. Have an amazing time! ?

Traveling to Moscow end of March and first of April. Do women wear fur coats at this time of year? If yes, does the colorof the fur matter. Would it be lighter coats–snow leopard, silver saga fox or is a dark coat of fake cur acceptable? Or would a puffer coat be advisable with a beanie with fox fur pompom? Or would a wool full length cap be appropriate? Thanks

Hi Leslie, fur coats are a common fashion style, because they keep you toasty and warm, and look fantastic. It would depend on the temperatures, I would recommend that you check the weather forecast closer to your departure dates to ensue you have packed the most appropriate clothing for the weather. Our readers are the best at answering questions like yours, so to get you as much feedback as possible, I have gone ahead and scheduled your question to appear on TFG’s facebook page. Please keep you eyes out for our readers replies from Wednesday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope this helps. Have an incredible trip!! 🙂

Hi Leslie, here is the response from facebook for your question: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/posts/2250868851603437 Hope this helps!

I’m a girl who has only lived in warm weather. I have never experienced winter like in moscow. I have dumb questions about shoes and attire. If going to the ballet with heels, do you bring your boots to walk outside and inside?

Also, can you wear winter snow boots inside a university for a long time? I bought the sorels Joan of arctic and winter carnivals. Will they be too hot for inside? Do I need to bring extra pair of shoes?

Hi Ninotchka, thank you for your question. Let me look into this for you! 🙂

Would love to see a packing list for a river cruise to Russia in the spring!!

Will keep it in mind for a future post!

Thanks so much for this article! It is so hard to find advice for winter/snowy travel. It is still about layering! Leggings under my skinny jeans. I wear my winter boots (Sorel with fur trim) on the plane, and my marmot long “down defender” water resistant coat Squishes down in the packing cubes.

Thanks for sharing Alanna! Glad you found this article helpful!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

IMAGES

Gill Yachting Wet Weather Gear For Hire
Gill Yachting Wet Weather Gear For Hire
Gill Yachting Wet Weather Gear For Hire
First look: North Sails’ foul weather gear
Gill Yachting Wet Weather Gear For Hire
Yachtsman in wet weather gear on modern yacht Stock Photo

COMMENTS

Best waterproof jackets and salopettes for offshore sailors
Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore. Best waterproof jacket on test. Specifications Technology: MPX Gore-Tex Pro Waterproof: 28,000mm Cargo pockets: 4 Hand-warmers: 6 Women's Version: Yes, not drop seat Musto Offshore suits have long set the standard for foul weather gear, and the MPX Gore-Tex has been around for a long time.
Best Foul Weather Gear
This O'Neill Men's Epic wet suit is the best in this category. Depending on the level of foul weather you will be sailing under, you might need to include this Neo Sport Multi-Density Wetsuit Hood and Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots in your gear. Best Foul Weather Sailing Boots - Grundéns Deck-Boss Fishing Boots ...
The Best Foul Weather Gear For Sailing [2024]
The best foul-weather gear overall is the Gill OS2 Offshore Series. The OS2 will serve the needs of most recreational sailors. But, the topic is more nuanced when considering what type of sailing you will do. For example, coastal foul weather gear won't perform well under open ocean conditions. And ocean-going gear is overkill for day sailing.
Best sailing jackets: From inshore to ocean-ready waterproofs
Zhik INS200 Jacket. Best summer sailing jacket. Specifications: Weight - 510g | Sizes - S-XXL | Choice of colours - 2 | Materials - Vecta, Polyurethane. Reasons to buy: Three-layer fabric ...
Best sailing jackets and pants for boaters
Surprisingly effective seals and a few nice details made them a pleasure to wear. Gill's sailing waterproofs were solid and had a good level of features that put it just ahead of Henri Lloyd. With thanks to Inspiration Marine for providing their Hanse 388 as Yachting Monthly's test base for this article.
The best waterproof jacket for your next ocean voyage
Best waterproof jacket with quick-drying lining - Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket. Best waterproof jacket for heavy rain - Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket. Best lightweight waterproof jacket - Zhik INS200 ...
Shop Outdoor Foul Weather Clothing, Gear & Accessories
When shopping for wet weather yachting apparel, choose gear that best fits your boating style. Categories of foul weather gear include ocean and offshore gear, coastal gear, inshore gear, dinghy gear, fishing gear and workwear. We also offer a selection of sailing boots and gloves. Choose from among boating's best brands, including Gill ...
Best Foul Weather Gear for Offshore Sailing and Fishing
Table of Contents. Offshore Foul Weather Gear Recommendations. Navis Marine Pro Offshore Foul Weather Jacket and Bib. WindRider Pro Foul Weather Gear Jacket and Bib. Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket. Grundéns Balder Hooded Fishing Jacket. Helly Hansen Men's Skagen Offshore Jacket. Foul Weather Gear Buying Guide. Types.
New gear: Zhik OFS800 foul weather clothing
With the Zhik OFS800 salopettes, there is a neat 'set and forget' hook-and-loop shoulder strap adjustment system, eliminating the need for bulky buckles, as well as reinforced pockets. Colourways include black, flame red or acid lime for the jacket, with the salopettes in plain black. RRP: £579.95 - jacket/smock. £299.95 - latex smock.
Gear Review
HH has definitely asserted itself as a leader in the world of sailing foul weather gear. Imagine my excitement when I checked off female offshore sailing gear and found 6 jacket options! Now 3 of the jackets are considered unisex, but at least they list them as options for me on their website. There are also 3 different pant options.
How to choose sailing foul weather gear
Foul weather gear generally falls into one of five classes: Inshore. Coastal. Offshore. Flotation. Nonsailing waterproof outdoor gear. 1. Inshore. Inshore gear is great for sailing in warmer climates, where you need something to block the wind, spray, and occasional rain showers.
What to wear sailing: Everything you need to know
What to wear sailing quick links. Best Boat Shoes - Tribord sailing 500 boat shoes. Best Sailing Jacket - Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket. Best Sailing Trousers - Gill OS3 trousers. Best Lifejacket ...
Choosing the Best Foul Weather Gear, Part 1
Step 2 Machine Wash: Place a maximum of six garments in washing machine. Using cold water only, after the machine has filled, add: 5 fl oz. / 150 ml for 1-3 garments, low water level. 8.5 fl oz. / 250 ml for 4-6 garments; medium water level of Nikwax Tech Wash. Step 3 Waterproofing: No need to dry garments before waterproofing.
An Easy Guide to Buying the Best Sailing Jacket
Helly Hansen's Pier 3.0 Coastal jacket is excellent quality (as expected from HH) and ideal for mild winter sailing. This jacket has no shoulder seems and raglan sleeves for freedom of movement. It's got good deep pockets on the outside, chest warmer pockets and inner pockets to keep all your sailing essentials dry.
The best sailing jackets, vests & trousers (and how they're tested)
Henri Lloyd's flagship wet weather gear for cruisers has had an upgrade. Elite 2.0 gear dries 30 per cent faster than the previous generation, while its yarn structure combined with DWR water repellent coating prevents water absorption by the outer layer and reduces the chilling effect that results.
The 6 Best Sailing Jackets
3.Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit. The best foul-weather sailing jacket is the Unisex Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit manufactured by the brand Navis Marine in China and sold worldwide. We rate this jacket 9.8/10. Most retailers price the Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit between $150 to $180. The Navis Marine Sailing Rain Suit weighs 1.9kg.
How To Re-Waterproof My Foul Weather Gear
Using Waterproof Wax. Ensure that the foul weather gear is clean and has no dirt or dust on the surface. Once the wax is applied, it can be tough to remove. Waterproof waxes generally need to be heated before they can be applied. Place the dispensing bottle in a pan with 1.5 inches of water and heat it until the wax melts.
Sailing Suits & Wet Weather Gear for Sailing in All Conditions
Musto HPX Pro Ocean Smock Suit 2024. £ 2,100.00 £ 1,799.00. Gill Verso Suit. £ 650.00 £ 569.95. Gill OS1 Ocean Suit 2024. £ 980.00 £ 829.95. Buy sailing suits for foul & wet weather from Marine Super Store. We have an extensive range of wet weather gear & offer FREE delivery on orders over £100.
Best sailing waterproofs: 7 lightweight options for summer sailing
Tested: Gill Kenton Warm Pilot Jacket. Our tester appreciated the warmth of the quick drying, synthetic insulation. The Kenton jacket uses Gill's in-house Xplore waterproof, breathable 'soft touch' fabric. Synthetic insulation and polyester liner makes donning over other layers easier. An ergonomic cut and long body keep out draughts.
cold weather gear
Answer 1 of 10: Going to Moscow and St Petersburg in mid Feb:- 1 Headwear - see a lot of photos of furry hats with ear pieces - easy to acquire when you get there and where from? 2 I have seen the thread about slush - I was imagining snow - what can we expect and...
Essential Winter Survival Gear to Keep You Warm and Alive
Clothing. Best Coat Wantdo Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket - Men's and Women's. Best Boots Sorel Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot. Best Thermal Layers Thermajohn Base Layers. Best Socks DG hill Cold Weather Socks. Best Mittens Carhartt W.P. Waterproof Insulated Mitten. Gear. Best Survival Kit Prep Store Emergency Survival Kit. Best Lantern ...
What to Wear in Russia in Winter
Winter in Russia tends to run from December to February and can make you feel like you're in a snow-covered fairytale. The weather is generally cold and wet, and the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg are likely to be covered in snow. The temperatures in these areas can drop down to 14°F, and St. Petersburg can be considerably colder than ...
What to Wear in Moscow in Winter: Surviving Freezing Temps
General tip: wearing layers will give you more freedom in the outside-inside situation. It gets very warm in the subway underground and inside some buildings, compared to the cold outdoors. It's important to note that during winter, the temperature varies from -2°C/28°F to -28°C/-18°F, which is exceptionally cold!